Brooks Jensen

I heard Brooks Jensen speak at this month's SPPA meeting. He was very inspirational, both from an artistic perspective, as well as from a business perspective. Unlike other speakers I've heard recently, his ideas are forcing me to think, and not just run with some good ideas.

One thing I've been considering quite a bit for the last two weeks is how many people stop practicing photography once they master the craft. I can see how that can happen - perhaps the challenge, the learning, and the process of it all have been the fun. Once you have it mastered, the mystery of "how to" is gone and you have to turn inward for inspiration. That's when there is nothing left to hide behind, and your work really is an expression from within.

While every image makes a statement - and hopefully one the artist intends - there are typically some accidental or maybe lucky factors involved in the final product. Once photography has been mastered, these things are no longer accidents - they are choices. This is when a true voice is heard.

For now, I'm eyeing his book: Letting Go of the Camera. I know I'll be in for some good reading.

LettingGo

It's available here. If this guy (or his magazine, LensWork) interests you - check it out. I know you won't be disappointed.

Til next time!